Draft Proposal

Working Title: Knowing not to Know

Project Description: I’m undertaking an animated film project based on narrative structures that are dealing with the theme ‘Knowing not to Know’.

The aim of this project is to challenge traditional boundaries in visual story telling. To tell part of something in order not to tell the rest of it.


Objectives:

1. Experiment with image-making and story telling in an interactive process
2. Explore new possibilities in building narratives based on film research and analysis
3. Enrich my graphic language & illustration vocabulary
4. Increase sophistication and sensibility in sound design

Rationale:

I was first fascinated by Andrei Tarkovsky’s films, full of poetic, nonlinear narratives. The beauty of the way ‘he speaks in order not to say anything about the essential thing that he must keep secret’ (Derrida, The Gift of Death, P59) makes us increasingly curious to the untold / unknown part of the story.

I have been researching David Lynch’s films such as Mulholland Drive and Lost High Way, deconstructing the narrative structures, looking for the devices that Lynch uses to dislocate and reconnect stream of consciousness, lead or mislead viewers’ logic thinking. I believe it is the curiosity to the unknown (not the absurdity) that holds our attention. The mixture of real and unreal and the swap of real and unreal play tricks on viewer’s mind (but not to confuse them!)

Therefore, I find constructing an innovative narrative structure is more challenging and interesting than producing a non-narrative based, abstract piece. Incorporate ‘knowing not to know ’ structure with appropriate imagery, hopefully I can push and challenge my filmmaking to a creative and exciting level.

Also, I have been looking at Tarot cards because they are associated with ‘knowing not to know’ as well. Tarot is an ancient Western occult psychological and philosophical system consisting 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. (Mary K. Greer, Tarot for Your Self, P1) The 22 cards of the Major Arcana make up a Fool’s Journey. Each major arcana card stands for a stage on that journey - an experience that a person must incorporate to realize his wholeness. Tarot is a medium to communicate with people’s unconscious side of ego. When you pick several cards in order to solve a specific question in your mind, the cards you pick will immediately turn into a narrative comprises the past, the present, the future (even more aspects, depends on the number of cards you pick). Via a reading, cards can reveal your unconsciousness to your conscious mind. When you have selected several cards, facing down, you know that a story is there, physically, but totally unknown, and the moment you turn every card facing up, you can only see a rough picture of the story. After subjective analysing, your conscious mind become aware of information derived from the unconsciousness. Finally get a clearer picture of the whole narrative, which is generated by both the cards and the card reader. When you really engage yourself in constructing a narrative and you will be able to find the most reasonable explanation the cards define. And the same card layout reveals diverse information to different card readers.

A Tarot reading process is similar to the one generating a story from images, full of uncertainty and surprises. I would like to apply this system to my filmmaking process.

Relevance:

As an animator / filmmaker, I believe the narrative structure is more important than image making. Investigation in narrative structure will benefit my project from both theoretical and practical approach.

I’m keen on ‘gothic dark fairy-tale’, and interested in producing moody, playful, individual style imagery. ‘Knowing not to know’ is a theme that suits my style and interests, and allows enough freedom for me to explore.

I would like to work in animation / filmmaking industry. Therefore, I will need to build up a strong portfolio / showreel.

Methodologies:

Initial script Ideas
Experiment with visuals and sounds
Draft script / storyboard
Scene Design / Character Design
Animation / shooting footage
Sound Design
Finalise script
Editing
Re-shooting
Production

Feasibility: realistic and feasible

Timetable:

October ~ November: research and initial script / concept, experiment with images and sounds
December: continue research, but push further script structure and produce more relevant visuals
January: scene design, test shooting / animation
February: continue shooting / filmmaking
March: editing / mixing
April: revise
May: final production